World Briefing | Asia: Nepal: June Election Ruled Out

Published: April 14, 2007

Nepal's Election Commission said it would not be able to hold elections for a constituent assembly on June 20, as specified in a peace deal with former Maoist rebels. ''We need at least 110 days before the polling day, even after necessary laws concerning the election are in place,'' said Bhoj Raj Pokharel, the chief election commissioner. The voting is to select a special assembly to draft a new constitution and to decide whether Nepal remains a monarchy or becomes a republic.